7Cs of communication

Question 1

1.Conciseness

Answer 1

• This is communicating what you want to convey using the least possible words.
• The message is complete without being too wordy.
• It prevents confusion and grabs audience attention.

Question 2

Features of conciseness

Answer 2

• The message is non-repetitive in nature.
• It is more appealing and comprehensible to the audience.
• Provides short and essential messages while limiting word usage.
• It avoids using excessive and needless words and underlines/ highlights the main message.

Question 3

SUPERFLUOUSNESS

Answer 3

The use of unnecessary words and is thus the opposite of conciseness.

Question 4

Eliminating superfluous

Answer 4

1. Avoid using double negatives
2. Be careful when using abbreviations
3. Beware of phrases that repeat themselves
4. Use intensifiers appropriately
5. Avoid plagues - words that do not add meaning to a sentence
6. Avoid clichés - phrases used to show lack of original thoughts
7. Use active voice
8. Use the ‘less is more’ rule

Question 5

2. Completeness

Answer 5

• Involves the use of 5W & H.
• Have all the facts required for the intended receiver to understand the message
• The sender should consider the receiver’s mindset
• Importance: Increases reputation, better decision making, saves costs, informative and persuasive

Question 6

3. Concreteness

Answer 6

• Messages that are specific, definitive and to the point

- Eliminates room for misinterpretation

Question 7

Characteristics of concrete messages

Answer 7

1. Denotative words are used instead of connotative words.
2. Messages are specific
3. Simple words are used
4. Messages are straight to the point and exact

Question 8

How to achieve concreteness

Answer 8

• Use specific facts and figures
• Avoid uncertainty
• Choose simple image building words
• Use denotative words

Question 9

4. Clarity

Answer 9

• The quality of being logical and easily understood

- Characteristics: explicitness, short sentences and concrete words

Question 10

Ways of achieving of clarity

Answer 10

1. Know your point
2. Be specific
3. Focus on individual’s behavior and avoid making slanderous remarks when offering feedback.

Question 11

Importance of clarity

Answer 11

• Enables understanding of the message.
• Reduces noise
• Eases relations between sender and receiver.

Question 12

Tips on improving clarity

Answer 12

• Consider your audience.
• Say exactly what you mean.
• Avoid jargon.
• Keep it short and simple.
• Choose the right medium for the message.
• Over-communicate where necessary.

Question 13

5. Consideration

Answer 13

• This means preparing every message with the message receivers in mind

Question 14

Ways to show consideration

Answer 14

-Having a considerate perspective:
1.Putting yourself in other’s shoes.
2. Anticipate the needs of others.
3. Think of other people when in public.
4. Think of people’s financial situations as well
Being considerate in a conversation:
5. Choose your timing carefully
6. Choose your words carefully
7. Avoid monopolizing conversation
8. Thank people often
9. Apologize when you have made a mistake
10. Be tactful
Acting considerately:
11. Do nice things for people when they need help
12. Have good manners
13.Share
14.Be punctual
15.Do random acts of kindness
16.Keep your place or spot clean

Question 15

Tips to have a considerate personality

Answer 15

1. Go out of your way to help people
2. Practice more often. Practice makes perfect (almost perfect)
3. Ask how one is feeling more often instead for personalizing yourself.
   - However do not let people take advantage of your kind acts.

Question 16

6. Correctness

Answer 16

• Refers to both factual and linguistic accuracy. All the information you provide needs to stem from valid, reliable, and credible sources that can be located.

Question 17

Characteristics of correctness

Answer 17

• The message is exact, correct and well-timed.
• If the communication is correct, it boosts up the confidence level.
• Correct message has greater impact on the audience/readers.
• It checks for the precision and accurateness of facts and figures used in the message.
• It makes use of appropriate and correct language in the message.
• Use the right level language of language
• Check accuracy of figures, facts and words.
• Maintain acceptable writing mechanics.

Question 18

Factors that affect accuracy

Answer 18

• Lack research
• Perception.
• Complexity of the message chain
• Cultural variables.
• Environmental factors.
• Prejudice.

Question 19

Conducting accuracy checks

Answer 19

• Developing listening skills
• Read widely and comprehensively
• Proofreading
• Seek clarification when in doubt

Question 20

Importance of double checking

Answer 20

• You’ll Get Second and Third Opinions.
• Will Help You know how to Reach People.
• Experience Matters (it helps you get familiar with your work).
• Thorough and Precise(computer do not put sophisticated correction ).

Question 21

7. Courtesy

Answer 21

• The showing of politeness in one’s attitude and behavior towards others.
• Courtesy involves being aware of not only of the perspectives of others, but their feelings as well.

Question 22

How can we show courtesy

Answer 22

1. Show respect for others.
2. Always apologize when you do something wrong.
3. When someone is having a conversation, do not interrupt.
4. When you change your plans, let others know.
5. Respect the needs of others in public.
6. Never embarrass another person.
7. When refusing an invitation, be kind an honest.
8. Respect your elders.

Question 23

A courteous tone

Answer 23

• Be sincerely tactful, thoughtful and appreciative.
• Use expressions that show respect.
• Use non-discriminatory expressions

Question 24

Tactful

Answer 24

Having or showing skill and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues.